The Qatari government has informed that they have been making preparations to send Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (Bippa) proposal to the government of Nepal.

At a meeting with visiting UCPN (Maoist) leader Narayankaji Shrestha on Sunday, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Meraikhi said they are in the process of sending Bippa proposal to Nepal.

“Qatari government and several companies are ready to invest for the development of Nepal,” Shrestha quoted Meraikhi as saying. “There should be Bippa agreement between Nepal and Qatar to make such trade agreement. Qatar government has been drafting the proposal.” 

 

Shrestha, a former deputy PM and foreign minister, requested the Qatari government to assist for Nepal’s economic development. “Qatari government and companies can invest in hydropower, tourism and agriculture, among other sectors,” said Shrestha, who is in Qatar to attend the general convention of the Maoist-associated Janapragatishil Manch. 

 

Assistant Foreign Minister al-Meraikhi added that Ministry of Labour will look into the problems related to Nepalis. “We have been trying to solve the problems and amended laws for the welfare of migrants,” he said. Shrestha also told al-Meraikhi that Nepal and Nepali people wish to see Qatar playing host to a successful football World Cup in 2022. 

 

Meanwhile, the UAE has already proposed for Bippa to avoid the double taxation and revised air service agreement, according to Foreign Ministry officials in Kathmandu.

 

“We have forwarded the proposal to the concerned line ministries, asking for their suggestions on whether we can agree on these proposal during a visit of UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan,” a ministry official said. 

 

The UAE has already proposed for Bippa to avoid the double taxation and revision of air service agreement, says the govt.